The Colourful Past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House, published by Rizzoli. Foreword by The Duchess of Richmond, Photography by Paul Whitbread Edward Bulmer is a man of many talents: interior designer, architectural historian, and founder of the eponymous sustainable plant-based paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. In his very first book published by Rizzoli, The Colourful past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House, Edward takes readers through the keyhole into his most memorable work in some of Britain’s finest buildings, including: Althorp, Princess Diana’s childhood home, the Prime Minister’s official country residence, Chequers, Goodwood and Pitshill House, as well as his own Queen Anne House in Herefordshire. This masterpiece has received remarkable reviews from some of the most prestigious publications and individuals in the interior design and creative industries. Below we share some of our favourite rooms showcasing our natural paints which grace the pages throughout the book with historic houses captured beautifully by well-renowned photographer and good friend Paul Whitbread 'Sea Green' backdrop for a room full of colour and pattern 'A bolection panelled interior in the original part of the house. We changed the colour to Sea Green and felt no compunction to ‘obey’ the panels when hanging Sophie Coryndon’s beautiful tulip paintings. The red lacquer cabinet brought back from Hong Kong works so well against the blue on the walls which has plenty of yellow in it.' Edward Bulmer, quoted in House and Garden Sea Green Milk White Cuisse de Nymphe Emue Tea Green Fawn 'London Brown' above the panelling at Dorfold Estate Hallway at Dorfold Estate London Brown Etruscan Brown Cinnamon Indigo Azurite As you may know of our founder, architectural historian and leading interior designer, Edward breathes new life into centuries-old houses with a sympathy that is rooted in a deep understanding of the past, transforming them into comfortable homes designed for modern living. His own house is the perfect example of this. Edward and his family have spent the last twenty years turning what had become a rundown farmhouse into a comfortable, beautiful, practical home-still with a working organic farm – that perfectly accommodates the demands of present-day life. His home has become a laboratory for his design practice and is also the base for his paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, which he operates out of an old cattle shed with the paint being mixed in a recently restored Dutch barn. 'Pomona' on the walls with 'Spanish White' on the ceiling 'Verdigris' on the woodwork, paired with Antique Chinese wallpaper 'Sea Green' on the panelling and 'Verdigris' on the woodwork Sea Green Verdigris Jonquil Tea Green Clove 'Cuisse de Nymphe Emue' on the bathroom walls 'Lilac Pink' hallway with 'Spanish White' on the ceilings Lilac Pink Quaker Rose Tinted White Buff Dove 'Invisible Green' garden hall at Court of Noke Launched in October 2022, the book has received remarkable reviews from some of the most prestigious publications and individuals in the interior design and creative industry. The natural paints grace the pages throughout the book with historic houses captured beautifully by well-renowned photographer and good friend Paul Whitbread 'Garter Blue' backdrop showcasing beautiful artwork Garter Blue Tawny Cerullian Blue Warm Stone French Grey It is perhaps his own house, Court of Noke, that the average reader might find easiest to relate to. There are rugs found on Moroccan holidays and walls are hung with Edward’s own drawings alongside grander pictures. And unlike the house where he grew up, where he had ‘little exposure to the finer rooms’, this is a true (and truly beautiful) family home. Paul Whitbread’s photography is very fine, with some glowing close-ups if details – a corner of flowery carpet, a gilded mirror, some intricate passementerie – as well as well chosen views of whole rooms. In Edward’s book, colour is king. Elfreda Pownall, quoted in November's issue of House and Garden The book is a modern day bible and a must for all interiors lovers, especially those who have a passion in historic decoration and architectural detail. Edward takes readers through his creative and working process in each project, describing in detail how he renovated, decorated, and preserved the home, the problems he encountered and the decisions he and his clients made to solve them, all while sharing tips and secrets that readers can take away for their own home. 'Verdigris' sitting room, photography by Paul Whitbread 'Verdigris' sitting room, photography by Paul Whitbread I think the book is amazing! Just fabulous - so so enjoyable to swim around in, and a fascinating read too. Hugely impressive! And of course, I'm pleased as punch about my pictures being included - brilliantly super for me! It's an astonishing book, really. You've touched the sky. Artist and friend Sandy Mallett 'Naples Yellow' hallway 'Olympian Green' bathroom at Edward's Herefordshire home Olympian Green Cuisse de Nymphe Emue Lute Fawn Mummy 'Portland' hallway at Dorfold 'Milk White' in Edward's study Give this timeless and beautiful book to all your design loving friends and family and of course treat yourself to a signed copy by Edward himself, which can be bought at the London Showroom. We have an exciting upcoming event at Thyme in Gloucestershire on the 31st March: In Conversation: Edward Bulmer & Giles Kime, Interiors Editor of Country Life. Book you ticket now! To make sure you are in the know, click here and sign up to their newsletter The Colour Supplement. Say hello on Instagram too or in person if you are in the area and if you do not yet have a colour chart order your free one today. New London showroom is 5 minutes walk from Sloane Square or Victoria tube station – 194 Ebury St, London SW1W 8UP
A Greener Christmas with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Make it a Chic Christmas with timeless colours that last beyond the festivities. Check out some of our favourite rooms decorated for the season.
Our new conscious colours: ‘Palette Blenders’ It is not often Edward Bulmer creates new colours, these seven smart and sophisticated ‘Palette Blenders’ transcend style and architecture and are made with absolute resonance and relevance.. Read more about our new colours and which other colours in our natural collection to pair with.
The Power of Paint – A Date for your Diary Join House & Garden Editor, Hatta Byng, in conversation with three experts in interior decoration as they discuss the role of paint, colour and decorative paint effects in historical interiors and interior design today.
Hallway colours for a South Facing aspect The Victorians use green to blend garden facing rooms with the outdoors and true to historic origins ‘Invisible Green’ is a best-selling green for achieving just that, particularly when used with landscape artwork such as here in the Garden Hall. Find out more about going green…
We give to you: Our Christmas Advent We are now readying ourselves for that ever important gift list to our friends and family – gifts to treasure or even gifts we just want to keep to ourselves…
A Spring in your Step There’s nothing better than the feeling of Spring. Brighter evenings, warmer days, flowers blooming, and there’s plenty of Spring inspired colours at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint to help you brighten your interiors. One of the easiest ways to refresh your home for the season is by incorporating fresh and vibrant Spring colour palettes. In this blog, we will explore five spring paint colours that will bring a sense of warmth, brightness, and renewal to your living space.
